279 Financial Services / Investment jobs in England & Wales

Finance Officer

Payband 4, Civil Service Equivalent EO

£28,710 - £29,821 per annum and pay award pending

Permanent appointment

Full-time, Part-time, flexible working, job share

Lowestoft

REF: CEF-44-25 409897

We have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Officer to join our team at Cefas. Cefas is a world leader in marine science and technology, providing expert evidence and advice to help drive sustainable growth while tackling the serious global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. Our work is of real importance to achieving key UK Government objectives and furthering international scientific progress.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is passionate about making a difference through their work and is committed to continuous personal development and learning. You will work with our Finance Team to help ensure Cefas delivers our UK Government objectives, great value for money and financial professionalism. We recognise the exciting technological opportunities that data and AI present to our profession and are very interested in candidates with related skills and experience who want to apply these to help transform our financial management.

As part of our commitment to professionalism we would expect you to be or become AAT qualified or equivalent. We are pleased to offer a Level 4 AAT apprenticeship pathway through our training partner KAPLAN, a leading provider of Accounting courses.

At Cefas, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are an inclusive community and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and capabilities. We value enthusiasm, professionalism, and your sense of fun. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all genders and communities.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Cefas are growing our impact in the UK and overseas creating new demands for our Finance Team to apply the new technologies and data skills to build efficient and effective business support solutions as well as proactive strategic planning.

The role involves:

· Working within a dynamic and supportive finance environment, using finance systems, sound Excel skills and wider data and AI orientated solutions.

· Providing accurate and assured input and support for all our financial transactions within our business systems including sales and purchase ledger.

· Assured accuracy of the monthly management financial reporting through completion of journals and reconciliations.

· Maintaining and enhancing our financial controls, assurance and compliance performance and working with our audit reviews to further improve them.

· Proudly providing excellent customer service.

· Building and maintaining our Cefas Values through respectful, working relationships with all our colleagues, funding partners and suppliers and enhancing our equity, diversity and inclusivity.

We additionally expect colleagues to continue to develop and grow their duties and responsibilities, commensurate with their grade.

We will support your continuing professional development, through our apprenticeship programmes, with paid studies and study time.

In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The following are essential criteria required for this role, and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:

· Excellent data and numeracy skills.

· IT proficiency, particularly Microsoft software, and a willingness to embrace digital tools.

· Sound verbal and written communication skills and confidence to use varied and appropriate communication methods.

· Good attention to detail and pride in producing work to a high standard.

· Self-motivated with excellent organisational skills, including adapting to changing priorities and flexibility when responding to customer needs.

· Ability and enthusiasm to deliver excellent customer service.

· Confident in building and maintaining strong working relationships across the business and working collaboratively with team members.

· Demonstrates willingness to undertake study and training to become AAT qualified or to hold an equivalent qualification.

BENEFITS

· Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday.

· Access to learning and development tailored to your role.

· A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options.

· A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.

· Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme

· Skills and Personal Effectiveness Allowances (SPEA) to recognise the development of capability and enhanced responsibility that it is possible to build up over time spent working at a particular grade (minimum of two years). These are non-consolidated.

· Biannual Personal Performance Payments (non-consolidated) linked to individual performance.

· Spot Performance Payments (non-consolidated) linked to outstanding work delivered, outstanding results achieved or outstanding contribution.

For full details and to apply online please click 'apply on company website' at the top of the page.

Closing date (applications received by 23:55) for applications is 4 July 2025.